Once modestly known as the Shanghai Five, the SCO today consists of several major players in Asia and the world, including China, Russia, and now India, which could help boost Pakistan’s position globally, considering that the former three nations have stoic positions either in terms of economic outlook or with regard to politics. These are nations that other top economic and political power-wielding countries are constantly watching — namely, the United States and some of Europe. Although our country is already on amicable terms with China, membership into such an exclusive organisation with other major players provides positive support to Pakistan to continue its economic ascent and confront its security problems.
Pakistan’s inclusion into the SCO comes amid speculation that membership could help give Pakistan and the other new SCO entrant, India, a platform to resolve some, if not all, of their tensions. This especially includes the Kashmir dispute. Fittingly, that is one of the clauses of the SCO: protecting political interests of the member countries and promoting security, economic and trade cooperation between them. Input from SCO partners will ideally provide sound strategies that will seek to benefit the region as a whole rather than favour one or the other country. And, considering the other players’ global statuses, the stability advice may resonate with leaders of both countries. Much of the fighting between the two neighbours is also accredited to the problem India has with Pakistan’s weak security infrastructure, which SCO nations can help to mediate, all the while helping Pakistan implement counterterrorism tactics. In the last few years, counterterrorism has emerged as a key area of cooperation in the SCO. Indeed, Pakistan and quite a few other countries desperately need help with their security infrastructure as they continue to experience threats from extremism and secular infighting.
Since both Pakistan and India are new entrants, it will take time for each to find its position and role within the organisation. It will be intriguing to observe how the dynamics play out between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as to see whether a cordial relationship can be developed and maintained in the long-term, without such power tussles over Kashmir every few years as is the present situation.
Regional connectivity is another goal of the SCO. And Pakistan is only too delighted to serve as a pivotal state or as a bridge for Central Asian states within the organisation. Ever since it was accepted as an observer in the SCO a dozen years ago, Pakistan has been reaching out to those states and knitting together a stronger bond with them. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has given Pakistan the kind of vantage that we required as it proceeds on the path of economic transformation.
In the days to come, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is expected to grow in terms of member states and influence. Iran, which currently holds observer status within the organisation, may be the next formal member. Its candidacy has been supported by China. Turkey and Afghanistan could follow suit. SCO members are all located along the ancient Silk Road and share the “Shanghai spirit” of mutual trust and benefit, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity and the pursuit of common development. These are goals to be emulated in South and Central Asia -- and the rest of the world.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 12th, 2017.
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